It’s easy to take for granted the free and convenient access that we have to health services here in the UK. However in Nicaragua, and particularly on the island of Ometepe, the situation is very different.
Ometepe is home to around 35,000 people, most of whom live in rural farming communities. There is limited healthcare coverage on the island and patients have to pay for any medicines that they need, which often puts treatment beyond their reach.
In response to this need, SIFT supports the health ministry of a highly qualified doctor, Sandra Villagra, and a team of local nurses who run health clinics in two rural villages on Ometepe. Patients are only charged a small, but affordable, fee for each consultation and no charge is made for any medicines that are prescribed. Last year alone this enabled nearly 3,000 people to receive medical care.
The nursing team also run programmes which aim to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles. Community lectures are given to patients and local primary schools on issues such as handwashing, healthy eating and dental hygiene.
Your support, either on a one-off or regular basis will help us to continue to serve the people of Ometepe and allow them to receive the treatment and medicine that they need. You can also download a Standing Order form to set up a regular donation.
- £10 will help a patient to see Dr Sandra and receive free medicines.
- £20 will pay for medicines for up to three children suffering for respiratory diseases.
- £40 will help to pay Dr Sandra’s salary for a day.
You can also support Dr Sandra and the nurses on an ongoing basis by sponsoring a nurse or sponsoring Dr Sandra for £15 a month. Each sponsor receives annual updates about the person they are supporting and the medical work in general.